Program
No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewIn-Person or VirtualHighly Selective12-24 StudentsUniversity App Required
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
No Interview
Highly Selective
12-24 Students
University App Required
Program Highlights
RECOGNITION & ALUMNI
•Named among Backstage Magazine's 'Top 20 Broadway talent pipeline' (2025) and The Hollywood Reporter's '25 Best Drama Schools in the World' (2024)
•100% of BW students signed by top agents for the past 10 years through annual New York Showcase
•Tony nominee Colton Ryan and other notable alumni on Broadway, London's West End, prime time television and film
TRAINING & FACULTY
•Small classes ensure personalized attention and close faculty mentoring
•Award-winning, professionally active faculty with extensive national and international experience
•New in 2025-26: expanded production season, new professional theatre partnerships, and expanded masterclasses under new leadership team
PRODUCTIONS & PARTNERSHIPS
•Students perform regionally and nationally while in school, earning equity points and valuable resume experience
•Performance partnerships with Playhouse Square, Great Lakes Theater, Cleveland Play House, and other regional theaters
•Six regional premieres produced in partnership with Playhouse Square
•Academic premieres include 'Kinky Boots' (first university production), virtual 'Spring Awakening', and first-ever in repertory productions of 'La Boheme' and 'Rent'
•Partnership with Near West Theatre creating exciting artistic pathways
FACILITIES & INDUSTRY ACCESS
•Striking Boesel Musical Arts Center with 50 soundproofed practice rooms and impressive rehearsal halls
•Close proximity to Cleveland's nationally ranked music and arts organizations
•Seniors perform in two days of showcases at New World Stages attended by 200 industry professionals
Key Info
Program AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
To audition in OctOct 1, 2025
To audition in Nov or DecNov 1, 2025
To audition in Jan or FebJan 15, 2026
Auditions
Pittsburgh UnifiedsOct 10–13, 2025
Virtual Pittsburgh UnifiedOct 18–19, 2025
Drewnifieds CaliforniaOct 24–26, 2025
On-CampusNov 15, 2025
Audition Fee
$125Waiver
Flat rate covers auditions for multiple Conservatory programs
Program Submission
Songs
60-90 SECOND VOICE VIDEO
•Upload a video of you singing any song of your choice for studio placement purposes
•Anything you'd like — there is no genre requirement
Monologues
ONE-MINUTE MONOLOGUE VIDEO
•Upload an age-appropriate monologue that you connect with, from any genre
•Video uploaded to applicant portal by audition date
Dance
ONE-MINUTE DANCE COMBO VIDEO
•Two weeks before your scheduled audition date, BW will send you a BW-specific dance combo to learn and record
•Upload the video of you performing that dance combo by the morning of your audition date
•If unable to record by your audition date, contact perform@bw.edu to discuss options
Wildcard / Special Skill
60-90 SECOND WILDCARD
•Upload a video of anything that shows your personality: a special skill, a passion speech, etc
•Video to be uploaded by audition date
Additional Materials
•Upload HEADSHOT to applicant portal by audition date
•Upload resume to applicant portal by audition date
•Submit Music Teacher Evaluation Form through applicant portal
Audition Requirements
Songs
THREE 1-MINUTE SONG CUTS
•Have three 1-minute cuts ready — there is no genre requirement, sing what you love
•BW will choose two of your selections during your live or Zoom audition
•Accompanist provided for live auditions on campus
•Live auditions off campus or Zoom may require you to provide your own recorded accompaniment
Good to Know
IMPORTANT
•Auditions reserved on a first-available basis and may fill well before application deadline
•MTCA applicants must apply by January 15 to receive an admission decision
PARTNER ORGANIZATION AUDITIONS
•Pittsburgh Unified: October 10-13
•Virtual Pittsburgh Unified: October 18-19
•Drewnifieds California: October 24-26
•Moonifieds Dallas: November 20-21
•MTCA NYC: December 12-15
•Chicago Unifieds: February 2-4, 2026
What's The Process
IMPORTANT NOTE:
•Videos (monologue, wild card, dance combo, voice) are part of the final audition process — NOT a prescreen
•You are welcome to repurpose videos you have already recorded
AUDITION DATES:
•On-campus: November 15, 22, 2025; January 24, February 7, 14, 2026
•Zoom: February 21, 2026
LOGISTICS:
•Decision letters sent by December 11 or March 10, depending on audition timing
•Information sessions, masterclasses, sample lessons and Q&A sessions offered throughout audition season
Scholarship Info
GRIFFITHS SCHOLARSHIP
•$2,000 - $8,000 annually for admitted Conservatory students who demonstrate outstanding talent in the audition process
•Announcements made after March 15
•Renewable up to four years with 3.0+ GPA and continued Conservatory enrollment
Program info updated Mar 27, 2:30 AM
RECOGNITION & ALUMNI
•Named among Backstage Magazine's 'Top 20 Broadway talent pipeline' (2025) and The Hollywood Reporter's '25 Best Drama Schools in the World' (2024)
•100% of BW students signed by top agents for the past 10 years through annual New York Showcase
•Tony nominee Colton Ryan and other notable alumni on Broadway, London's West End, prime time television and film
TRAINING & FACULTY
•Small classes ensure personalized attention and close faculty mentoring
•Award-winning, professionally active faculty with extensive national and international experience
•New in 2025-26: expanded production season, new professional theatre partnerships, and expanded masterclasses under new leadership team
PRODUCTIONS & PARTNERSHIPS
•Students perform regionally and nationally while in school, earning equity points and valuable resume experience
•Performance partnerships with Playhouse Square, Great Lakes Theater, Cleveland Play House, and other regional theaters
•Six regional premieres produced in partnership with Playhouse Square
•Academic premieres include 'Kinky Boots' (first university production), virtual 'Spring Awakening', and first-ever in repertory productions of 'La Boheme' and 'Rent'
•Partnership with Near West Theatre creating exciting artistic pathways
FACILITIES & INDUSTRY ACCESS
•Striking Boesel Musical Arts Center with 50 soundproofed practice rooms and impressive rehearsal halls
•Close proximity to Cleveland's nationally ranked music and arts organizations
•Seniors perform in two days of showcases at New World Stages attended by 200 industry professionals
Updated Mar 27, 2:30 AM
Academic School Information
3.79
Avg GPA (W)
76%
Admit Rate
68%
Grad Rate
2,842
Enrollment
$54,122
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$39,832
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$27,603
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Family Income $0 - $30k$21,296
Family Income $30k - $48k$20,381
Family Income $48k - $75k$22,994
Family Income $75k - $110k$27,597
Family Income $110k+$31,288
